Auburn Tigers Football: Checking in with the 2013 Recruiting Class

Checking in with the Tigers' recruiting class, there's a lot to get excited about in Auburn.  

Auburn has started the 2013 recruiting class off very strong with a couple of elite defensive linemen already on the commitment list.

The Tigers are pushing hard for elite talent, with quarterback and receiver looking to be a focus for the Tigers offensively, while defensive line will be a position of need on the defense.

With the talent that the Tigers currently have on roster, this year will be the most selective class that Gene Chizik has had since arriving at Auburn. The Tigers will be able to be more selective in this class than in year’s past, looking for specific position fits.

With 10 months remaining between now and the 2013 signing day, there's sure to be many more twists and turns before the recruiting game settles. The Tigers have a lot of talent on the board, and here's a look at where the Tigers stand with the 2013 class.

The Tigers Look to Continue Kicking Dominance

Auburn has been known to carry great special teams units in the past, and the 2013 class will look to continue with that tradition.

The Tigers have secured a commitment from Jimmy Hutchinson who is the No. 1 kicking prospect in the country according to Rivals.com. Hutchinson also received a No. 1 ranking from the Chris Sailer Kicking Camp as well as the Kohl’s Kicking Academy according to the Ledger-Enquirer.

With Cody Parkey and Steven Clark having two years of eligibility remaining, Hutchinson will be able to come in and study under two of the best kickers in the college game. 

Quarterbacks Still a Focus

The Tigers are pushing through spring practice with only three scholarship quarterbacks on roster. Clint Moseley is now battling through a shoulder injury, further depleting the quarterback ranks for Auburn.

There's an obvious need to bring in at least one quarterback with this year’s class, and with Scot Loeffler running the offense, there appears to be a host of talented quarterbacks that are taking some serious looks at the Tigers.

Most recently, the Tigers hosted two elite arms on campus with a visit from UCLA commit Eddie Printz and uncommitted top-target Kevin Olsen.

Another top target to keep an eye on is Jeremy Johnson. Johnson has consistently had the Tigers at the top of his list, but a recent visit to LSU may have closed the gap a bit. In a recent interview with Auburnundercover.com, Johnson said that “Auburn and LSU—they’re even.” 

Tigers Grab Elite D-Line Talent

Auburn has held the commitment of one of the nation’s top defensive lineman since June of last year when Dee Liner—likely the best name ever for a defensive lineman—committed to the Tigers. Liner has owned the competition in the early Rivals/VTO camps, earning MVP for his position at a recent camp showing.

Carl Lawson is another nationally recognized defensive lineman that recently made his intentions to attend Auburn known on March 24. With the addition of Lawson, the Tigers now have two of the best defensive linemen in the 2013 class.

With these two guys in the fold, the Tigers will look to add a few more big names to the defensive line class. One name that should be one to watch is defensive lineman Rodney Crayton. Crayton is one of the highest ranked D-line recruits in the country but has yet to receive an Auburn offer. 

Filling Gaps at Linebacker

The Tigers will return all but two linebackers to the roster after the 2012 season concludes. Linebacker is not a huge need for the Tigers in this class, but adding two to three top talents is always a goal.

Currently, the Tigers hold a commitment from Trey Johnson from Central Gwinnett High School in Georgia. Johnson is the No. 1 inside linebacker prospect in the country according to Rivals.com this year.

A few other big names are in the mix for the Tigers with Cameron Toney, Yannick Ngakoue, and Jarrad Davis all being high on Auburn. 

One Elite Receiver Is on Board, More Needed

When Earnest Robinson pledged his commitment to Auburn, the Tigers had to be elated. Robinson is a huge receiving prospect that stands at 6’3”, 200 pounds. He has highlights that will leave every team in the country wanting his signature.

With the lack of receiver production for the Tigers in the past few seasons, a playmaker is needed. Robinson fits the mold.

The Tigers will look to expand the receiving class beyond Robinson by adding a few more top recruits. Most recently, Ryan Jenkins and Juwan Dickey made the trip to the Plains. They attended their visit with teammate and quarterback prospect Eddie Printz.

Auburn has a full roster at the receiver position even with the departure of DeAngelo Benton, Travante Stallworth and Emory Blake after this season. There still has been a severe lack of production, leaving the Tigers looking for more big-play options on the recruiting front.

Tight Ends New Focus for Offensive Scheme

A major shift in focus has come for the tight end position with the new offense of Scot Loeffler. The Tigers will employ the tight end for numerous roles this season, but they intend to get the ball more to the talent that exists at the position.

There's major talent in the 2013 class at the tight end position, and the Tigers have two of the big names in their sights. One is Alabama commit and admitted childhood Auburn fan O.J. Howard. Howard said in a recent interview with Keith Niebuhr that Auburn was recruiting him harder than any school.

Howard is an elite talent that would fit well in the Loeffler system. The problem for the Tigers is that he's committed to their instate rival Crimson Tide who have proven how tight ends can change a passing game.

Another top talent that the Tigers are looking at is Standish Dobard. Dobard is a 6’4”, 241-pound tight end from Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, La. With the talent that the Tigers have on roster, they will only need to add one or two for this position. Dobard is a talented player who would fit well with the Tigers new offensive plan.

One Running Back May Be All the Tigers Need

Auburn has a wealth of talent at the running back position that will return after the 2012 season. The Tigers will likely be very selective this coming recruiting cycle and may only take one running back.

The Tigers are high on the list of Elbert County High School running back Tyshon Dye. Dye told The Big Spur that “Auburn, South Carolina and Clemson are the schools I’m feeling the most right now.”

Dye is a highly regarded back out of Georgia who will have numerous offers by signing day. He may commit early. If he does, the Tigers should like their chances.

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